Click to download a brochure with information on the PROMISE PROGRAM!

Click to download an application to the Rena Van Orman Promise Home.

Click to see the NEW PROMISE Home!

Would YOU like to help financially support this privately funded, one-of-a-kind-in-Iowa, child nurturing Program?

What is the PROMISE PROGRAM? The nurturing, faith-based, homelike setting of the PROMISE PROGRAM offers youth - with the potential and motivation to succeed personally and academically - real opportunity to excel, unrestricted by their current environment or circumstances (such as low economic conditions, adverse family issues, violence, abuse, neglect, or the lack of consistent structure and role-modeling). They are provided a real opportunity to achieve their full potential.

It's important to point out that the PROMISE PROGRAM is NOT a correctional institution, nor is it a preparatory school. It IS a family-style, completely voluntary, group living program that provides hope for children who could thrive if given a chance in life.

Participants live in a homelike setting with a married couple as house-parents who are dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, structured environment. Communications, visits and relationships with their biological family are maintained and encouraged. Families are included in major decisions and updated on the child's progress.

We partner with parents to restore hope!

Within the Program, there is an emphasis on modeling healthy personal and social skills, emotional balance, personal responsibility, and strong Christian values.

Youth attend public school for their basic educational curriculum and, after school hours, receive enhanced training on leadership and computer proficiency. They are encouraged to participate in school, community, and church leadership activities. Social and educational enrichment activities are provided. Also, those Program graduates who enroll in post-secondary educational programs have access to additional Scholarships.

Partnerships with adult mentors from the community expand opportunities for youth to develop the positive life values and skills necessary to become educated, productive, responsible citizens and future community leaders.

Participants are involved in a local church where they receive loving support, guidance and exposure to the hope available through a meaningful relationship with God.

Again, admission and participation is voluntary and long-term through high school graduation and family relationships are maintained. The focus of the PROMISE PROGRAM is on the DEVELOPMENT OF ACADEMICS, LEADERSHIP SKILLS, COMPUTER PROFICIENCY, and POSITIVE INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS with CHRISTIAN CORE VALUES.

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Who is the PROMISE PROGRAM designed to help? The PROMISE PROGRAM is for any 10 to 16-year-old Iowa youth with the potential and motivation to succeed personally, socially, and academically, but whose chances are hampered by low economic status, adverse family issues, violence, abuse, neglect or the need for consistent structure and role-modeling. Sibling groups and younger children may be considered on a case by case basis. Eligibility is not restricted by sex, race, religion, social or economic status.

The youth must want to participate and have the full commitment of their parents/guardian. They must not exhibit serious emotional or behavioral problems, must not be mentally or developmentally delayed, and must not be adversely involved with the law or abusing drugs or alcohol.

Participating youth should have the ability to relate positively in a family setting and have the desire to be a contributing member of the Program and to the community, school and local church. Participants are expected to have the desire to work diligently and the determination to succeed.

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What makes the PROMISE PROGRAM special? Several key features make the PROMISE PROGRAM special.

• Youth are referred by parents, clergy, school personnel or others - not by the courts or Iowa Department of Human Services.
• Participants voluntarily seek admission and stay in the program through high school graduation.
• Acceptance into the program is a privilege!
• Full or partial Scholarships for the PROMISE PROGRAM are provided to the youth, based on individual needs.
• Those Program graduates who enroll in post-secondary educational programs have access to additional Scholarships through Quakerdale.
• Parent/guardians do NOT surrender parental rights and are active partners with Quakerdale staff in their child's progress.

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How do I apply? Applicants must complete an application form and provide letters of reference or telephone numbers of other adults or professionals who can confirm the applicant's situation and need. If the applicant has questions about the Program, the application form, or the application process, they are encouraged to contact us with those questions at promiseprogram@quakerdale.org

Scholarships to assist with the costs of the program are available! (Those who enroll in post-secondary educational programs after graduating from the Program have access to additional Scholarships.)

Applications for the PROMISE PROGRAM can be downloaded, completed, and returned to Quakerdale; obtained from the Quakerdale of Marshalltown office at 1909 Summit Street, Marshalltown, Iowa 50158; or by calling: 641.752.3912.

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What are Quakerdale's beliefs regarding the PROMISE PROGRAM?

• Caring... Every child deserves to grow up within caring, warm, supportive, nurturing relationships.
  
• Sense of Community... Youth need a sense of belonging and a feeling that they are connected to others in a meaningful way.
  
• Safety and Stability... Children deserve to grow up in a safe, secure place with continuity.
  
• Christian Living... Children will greatly benefit through learning and living the principles and teachings of Christ.
  
• Self-Worth... All persons are created in the image of God and are important, worthy beings who have intrinsic value, as well as value in society. All children are worthy of respect, caring, love, consideration, and courtesy.
  
• Opportunity... We must instill the ideals of a "dream" in children and afford them opportunities to grow and develop to their full potential. They must be able to explore and express their capabilities without undue external barriers.
  
• Responsibility... Youth must take personal responsibility and learn to be personally accountable for their actions and for their own destiny.
  
• Leadership... Children are our future and must develop the personal assets and skills to become leaders in society.

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